How to Get Your Children through the Divorce

What do you do with the kids during a

divorce? While the child custody

battles are just beginning and the

court hearing is so far away, what

should you do with your children?

Do you let them see you fight, or be

unhappy with each other? Do you

separate and take them with one of

you, or split them up for fairness?

Where should they live and what

should they know? How should you act to better the situation for them?

The answers are never simple, nor is there one answer for every situation. You will have to answer those

questions according to your personal situations.

The best advice to give is how to be throughout the entire process. Here is a list of a few attitudes to

purvey to help them best cope with the situation.

Reassurance

You should first reach out to them with reassurance. No matter how tough they may look on the

outside, they secretly wonder if everything is going to be okay.

They want to know how stable everything’s going to be. Some wonder if it was their fault that their

parents fought so much.

Others are sure that there is no chance for a happy, successful marriage if their parents can’t manage

one. Sometimes they just need to know that both parents will stay involved in their lives.

Sometimes they just want you to be nice to each other. You know the answers to these concerns.

Reassure them that everything is going to be okay and answer these questions without them having to

ask. Tell them that and then tell them a plan that you have to help them with their newfound difficulties.

Reassure them as soon as possible and do it often throughout the entire process. They may feel good

about it today, but everything could change tomorrow when they find one more thing to worry about.

Listen

That leads to the next point, show that you’re willing to talk about it. This means that you are willing to

listen, just as much as you want to be heard.

Let them ask questions and tell you how they feel. If they tell you that they don’t care, they’re likely

lying.

Children care about it; they just may not be willing to share. You know your children best.

You know how they react to situations and how they like to deal with stress. Some are quiet about it,

hoping that their own bravery will overcome their feelings.

Others are verbal about the whole situation. Think back to past experience when they’ve reacted

similarly and see how you can reach out to them now.

Don’t give up just because they push you away. Sometimes you just need to try a new approach.

There’s a way to reach them, just find it. When you do find them, don’t be afraid to give them honest

and understanding answers—answers that are without blame or lack of respect towards your spouse.

As you do this, you’ll find they can do the same with you. They will open up if you open up first.

Love

Finally, Show excessive amounts of love. Tell them you

love them and show them that you mean it.

Do things together that will show them that you love

them individually and as a couple. These acts of love

are often doing things with them that they like.

Choose an activity that will allow them to see that you

truly care about them and don’t want your

relationships with them to change.

So first, reassure them throughout the process. Then

be willing to talk about it, which includes listening just

as much as it means talking.

Be honest and true with them, but never defame another. Lastly, show them love.

Reach out and love them like they are your children, because they are. These are 3 things you can do to

better the divorce situation.

Allan & Easton is a law firm that provides the expert assistance of a divorce lawyer to Provo residents.

Locals can find real legal help with a divorce lawyer located right in Provo.

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